Reception of Ukrainian displaced persons

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war, many people have been fleeing the violence of war. Opsterland is hospitable and happy to help with the reception of these refugees. On this page, read all about how things are arranged, the latest developments about the reception, how you can help, frequently asked questions and where to find more information. 

Current Developments

Current developments on the reception of Ukrainian displaced persons. 

  1. Completed: Research possible new location Ukraine shelter

    In Nij Beets, the municipality is investigating whether the location of De Jasker is suitable for the reception of displaced Ukrainians. Should this location be suitable, we expect that the location can be occupied in the second half of 2025.

    Learn more

  2. Completed: Completion of apartments De Tsjerne -

    Completion of apartments De Tsjerne. Housing for Ukrainian refugees.

    Learn more

  3. Completed: City council decides in favor of hosting displaced Ukrainians in the Jasker, Nij Beets -

    On April 22, the town council made a positive decision on hosting Ukrainian refugees in former school building the Jasker in Nij Beets. 

    Learn more

  4. Still to do: Rebuilding The Jasker

    Renovation of The Jasker

Education for children

All children residing in the Netherlands have the right to education. This means that Ukrainian children may also attend school in the Netherlands. The municipality has direct contact with schools and aims to place the children at the nearest elementary school. This way they do not have to travel far and go with the regular flow. The children who go to secondary school can attend the BHS in Gorredijk.

Works               

Ukrainian refugees are allowed to do paid work in the Netherlands. No work permit is required for this.

Social support

Code Hans organizes social counseling for the refugees. They take care of embedding them in society. If there are any questions from the refugees, they can contact the site coordinators and Code Hans.  

Insurance

Through the Regulation Medical Health Ukrainian Displaced Persons (RMO) refugees with a Citizen Service Number (BSN) in the Netherlands can use Health. For refugees from Ukraine who do not (yet) have a BSN, Health is reimbursed from the Subsidy Scheme for Medical Health to the Uninsured from the CAK.

In addition, civil liability (third-party) insurance is arranged from the municipality for Ukrainian refugees staying at the municipal shelter. Ukrainian refugees staying in private shelters are generally co-insured under the host family's liability insurance.

Living Money

Ukrainian refugees are allowed to work in the Netherlands and most therefore have income from employment. Ukrainians who do not receive income are entitled to living allowance. When Ukrainians have income below the living allowance standard, income is supplemented to "living allowance level. The living allowance amounts per month are as follows:

 Amount per month
Clothing and other personal expenses per person€ 62,66
Family of 1 or 2 personsFood per adult or unaccompanied minor alien (UMA)€ 252,18
Food per minor child (other than unaccompanied minors)€ 210,05
Family of 3Food per adult€ 214,29
Food per minor child€ 178,53
Family of 4 or more personsFood per adult€ 189,13
Food per minor child€ 157,61

Own contribution

Refugees from Ukraine with a job or their own income will have to help pay for their reception in a municipality on a monthly basis starting January 1, 2025. They will no longer receive living allowance. 

Contribute?

Would you like to contribute to the reception of Ukrainians in the municipality? You can! You will be redirected to the following page: Opsterland - Sign up Help Refugees Ukraine - About this form. Here you can sign up to become a volunteer or to offer shelter, for example.

Questions and answers on the reception of Ukrainian refugees

The municipality is responsible for hosting Ukrainian refugees. This reception can be organized by the municipality, but private individuals can also offer housing for the reception of refugees. Below you can read the most frequently asked questions and answers about the reception of Ukrainian refugees. If you have further questions about the reception of Ukrainian refugees, please email the municipality at oekraine@opsterland.nl.

I took in Ukrainians on my own initiative, but did not register my location with the municipality. What are the consequences of that?

There are a number of private individuals within the municipality who have taken in refugees on their own initiative without informing the municipalities in advance. This is allowed because they are European refugees. However, the Ukrainians you take in must be registered with the municipality. This is because from that moment the municipality can pay living allowance to the Ukrainians. If you enter into an agreement with the municipality for the reception of Ukrainians, then you can claim the expense allowance mentioned above.

I have been taking in Ukrainians which is causing my containers to fill up faster. What can I do?

You can request an extra container from the Omrin. This will then be brought to you. Any additional cost of this is included in the expense allowance that homeowners receive.

I have items I would like to donate to the Ukrainians, is that possible?

When we need items, we put out an appeal on social media. Based on that call, people can donate stuff.

In which municipal buildings are Ukrainians housed and what does it look like?

In the municipality of Opsterland, we have several buildings available for the reception of refugees. In the Flambou (former school building) there is room for 30 people. We also have four homes on Trimbeets. Here together there is room for about 30 people. We also recently refurnished a former office building in Gorredijk for Ukrainian refugees, where there is room for about 10 persons. In addition, since the fall of 2023, a reception location in Luxwoude is available (former school building), where there is room for about 15 Ukrainians.

Will more municipal buildings be available in the future to host Ukrainian refugees?

Unfortunately, the war continues. The European Directive currently runs until March 4, 2026. There is a real chance that the period of temporary protection will be extended again, but this is not yet certain. The Cabinet is considering the long term for refugees from Ukraine. For more information on the long-term policy, go to the website of rijksoverheid.

How long will Ukrainians stay in the community?

Ukrainians are Europeans and therefore free to go wherever they want. This means that the choice lies with them whether they want to go back to Ukraine or to build an existence in the Netherlands. Should it be the case that they would like to return, the question of course remains when it will be safe enough to return again. This is something no one can foresee.

Useful information

Did you find what you were looking for?

Learn more

Still have questions?

If so, please contact the Area Team

Municipality of Opsterland